New digital experiences for a cold winter day | |
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It's getting cold out there! Bundle up at home with a hot drink and enjoy two new digital experiences we're launching this month on the architecture of Canada's largest entertainment venue and the hidden natural world that was reborn from a wasteland.
These two stories, featured below, join a growing collection of 60+ experiences that include self-guided tours and online exhibits. There's a subject of interest for almost everyone to enjoy during the holidays and downtime. Explore now!
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Facades and Facelifts at Exhibition Place | |
For a brief period of time, some ageing buildings at Exhibition Place received modern false facades to make them look new again. This story looks at Exhibition Place in the mid-twentieth century and delves into its architectural history to uncover why these buildings endured false facades for years. | |
This story was researched and written by emerging historian Ela Gach and made possible by the generous support of: | |
For 67 years, the Leslie Spit, officially the Outer Harbour East Headland, has been branching into Lake Ontario. Originally envisioned as part of a major infrastructure project, the Spit has become a refuge for wildlife and a vital greenspace—Toronto’s “accidental wilderness.” | |
Invest Today in the Future of Toronto's Heritage | |
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"The Emerging Historians program allowed me to hone my research and presentation skills while supporting my interest in a heritage topic I am passionate about. Additionally, it afforded me insight into the Toronto heritage industry, networking opportunities, and the chance to build strong confidence in my work and skills. I am incredibly grateful to the Heritage Toronto team and supporting donors for granting me this opportunity."
— Sarah Takhar
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This year, the Emerging Historians program continued to transform Toronto’s heritage landscape and has empowered over 200 young professionals to do so since 2018. By providing mentorship, training, and paid opportunities, this program doesn’t just support emerging leaders—it brings new stories, tours, and events to life for all Torontonians to enjoy.
Your donation fuels this vital work. It creates space for fresh voices, especially from equity-deserving communities, to shape how Toronto’s diverse heritage is shared. It funds meaningful projects like community tours, digital programs, and research that bring untold stories into the spotlight.
Donate in a loved one’s name. Give a meaningful present by supporting the Emerging Historians Program.
Invest in the future. Every contribution directly funds mentorship, paid roles and heritage projects that connect us all to Toronto’s past and present.
Donate by December 31 to join us in shaping Toronto’s future—every gift over $20 receives a 2024 tax receipt.
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Together, let’s build a more inclusive and vibrant heritage sector, where Toronto’s stories continue to thrive for generations to come! | |
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Do you love to walk? Are you interested in leading a tour of your local neighbourhood or community? Submit a proposal to join our roster of volunteer tour leaders for our 2025 Tours season! We're interested in creative proposals featuring new approaches to heritage or under-represented stories in the city. Walks through any part of the city will be considered. No previous tour leading experience necessary.
Proposals will be accepted online from now until January 31, 2025.
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No. 2 Construction Battalion | |
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On November 7, we gathered to unveil a new plaque about Canada’s largest all-Black military battalion unit. Hosted in partnership with the City of Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow, Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont, Federal Veterans Affairs Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Robert Downey Jr., and Captain Kevin Junor unveiled the new plaque to honour the No. 2 Construction Battalion of the First World War’s Canadian Expeditionary Force at St. Andrew’s Church.
The plaque will soon be installed at King Street West and University Avenue, close to the original site of the Battalion’s enlistment office at 162 King Street West.
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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport | |
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On November 12, in partnership with Ports Toronto, we presented a new mega-plaque on the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
In 1935, the Advisory Airport Committee, led by the First World War flying ace William “Billy” Bishop, began to investigate locations for the city’s main airport. They settled on the current island location with the field being completed in 1939 by the Toronto Harbour Commission. The airport began operations under the name Port George VI Island Airport. It had two runways, several taxiways, a wood-frame terminal building, and facilities to accommodate planes designed to land on the water.
The event was attended by RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto; Neil Pakey, President and CEO of Nieuport Aviation; and MP James Maloney, Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
Commuters and travellers had an early opportunity to interact with this commemoration of 85 years of aviation history. The plaque will be installed at 8 Eireann Quay, just outside the airport passenger drop-off area on the city side.
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EQUITY HERITAGE INTIATIVE | |
Exploring meaningful Land Acknowledgements | |
On November 21, Heritage Toronto staff, Board Members and Emerging Historians gathered for the second part of our cultural training series, facilitated by Indigenous consultant Fred Martin. This workshop, held at St. Lawrence Hall, offered participants important context on the reasons we make Territory Acknowledgments and tips on developing Land Acknowledgment practices. Our thanks to those who joined in this important training exercise. | |
This training is made possible with funding from our Equity Heritage Initiative and is presented by: | |
Plans are for massive mixed-use property that will include nearly 300 affordable rental units and a new Toronto paramedics multi-hub. (CTV News) | |
The piece, titled Masset, Q.C.I., was painted in 1912 as part of Carr's efforts to create an extensive record of the artistic heritage of First Nations communities in British Columbia. (CP24) | |
Organizers say they need to raise $250K to stage event next year. (CBC) | |
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Image Credits
Postcard, Snowshoeing in High Park, 1905, by Valentine & Sons.
The Manufacturers' Building, Exhibition Place, circa 1920s. Image by Post Card & Greeting Card Company.
The Leslie Spit (Tommy Thompson Park), circa 2013. Courtesy of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Emerging historian Sarah Takhar and participants on Big Stories in Little India tour, May 19, 2024. Image by Hammad Khalil.
Tour participants, Making Change at Honest Ed's, July 20, 2024. Image by Hammad Khalil.
Gete-Onigaming, Commemorative Plaque, 2024.
No. 2 Construction Battalion commemorative plaque unveiling, St. Andrew's Church, November 7, 2024. Courtesy of the City of Toronto.
Billy Bishop City Airport commemorative plaque unveiling, Billy Bishop Airport atrium, November 12, 2024.
Participants at the Land Acknowledgement Workshop, St. Lawrence Hall, 157 King Street East, November 21, 2024.
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